Mike Delinquent talks projects, remixes, the nu garage sound and 11 years of RWD

Lady Leshurr recently spat some fire for him, C4's bouncy vocals are more than a good match for this producer (see Crazy Song), not to mention a whole host of DJ sets up and down the UK. It was definitely time for RWD to catch up with garage DJ/Producer Mike Delinquent for a good ol' chat of what's new and what's next.

New single Step In The Dance is doing a lot but tell us about the whole Mike Delinquent Project first and the reasoning behind it?

The Mike Delinquent Project is my own solo project, working with the best emerging talent from the UK. We're so blessed to have amazing artists here.

Why did you decide to get Lady Leshurr on the track? Was that a plan whilst you was making it or did you have any other people in mind?

Once I saw her A64, I needed to get her in the studio to collab! The vibe was really positive and we finished the track in a couple of sessions. Painless!

You've also chosen Zed Bias to remix the track, how hard is it for a producer to approach another producer to remix their own track and who else are you feeling at the moment that you think could do justice to your music?

I think if a producer is genuinely talented, it's very easy to be relaxed when they're working on your track. Zed Bias is sick! I'm also rating Preditah, Hostage, Zinc, Redlight, DJ Q, Devolution, CRST, Woz and Royal-T!

Following the radio support and blog support you've received from Step In The Dance what's next in line for the Mike Delinquent Project? Which three other artists would you like to work with next?

Kcat and Mikill Pane have recorded a wicked tune with me called Mama Said, look out for that one! I've also had Mz Bratt in the studio too. And Donae'o! The album is shaping up to be nice!

Tell us a little bit about how another one of your tracks stalking the radio playlist, C4's Crazy Song came about.

C has also worked with me on my album, so it was natural that we would collab again. Crazy Song came together quickly after he approached me with the hook. We work well together man. C4 is talented!

Your unique sound has been called on by everyone from Usher and Ms Dynamite to Adele. What is it like to provide remixes for these huge artists and do you get bored of them at all because sometimes effectively remixes help a bad song out? Have you turned down any that you wish you wouldn't have?

I haven't no. I have remixed all the tracks that I have wanted to, and enjoy the process of it. It's a challenge to better the original. There are still some international artists I would love to remix though! Beyonce is one...Even Stevie Wonder.

At the moment there seems to be a lot of attention on garage music, you could say it's having a bit of a resurgence. Why do you think that's happening now and what role do you hope to play in this resurgence?

Nu Garage is fitting nicely into the bass scene right now. My last few sets have been at clubs like Fabric, Cable and The Jamm so everyone is working a way of integrating this vibe. 2012 Nu Garage is produced differently to how it was back in the yesteryears. Royal-T is an example of that. It's more bass heavy. Other producers are also giving us their own take on the sound and there is more variety than ever in our DJ sets. Mad exciting times!

Lastly RWD are celebrating 11 years this month, what would you say have been the most stand out moments in underground music over the the past 11 years? Also do you remember your first experience of seeing RWD and the first time you were featured in it?

Yeah lol I came across my picture from '04. Some whack facial hair back then! What was that about!! RWD has always backed artists and producers doing their thing from grass roots level. I've always been grateful for RWD's support. A standout moment in the last 11 years for me involves Wiley. His ability to stick to his sound and believe in a new movement, which has now resulted in him as an artist, crossing over. He's opened a lot of doors for UK music.

Any last words?

My independent imprint Mindset Dance has re-branded and will be releasing Kcat's solo project in 2013! Look out for her material it is BIG!!

Keep up with all the happenings in the world of Mike Delinquent on Twitter and make sure you buy the Leshurr featuring banger Step In The Dance here now